aquatic plants
Waterlilies
Probably the most well known and most sought after plant for the pond is the water lily. Water lilies are divided into two general categories, hardy lilies (will survive the winter) and tropical lilies, which will not.
Marginals
Marginal, or bog, plants are the plants that you would see growing along the edge of a water source, like a pond or a stream.
In garden ponds, these are the types of plants that you would typically place on the ledge, or in the shallower areas of the pond.
In natural bottom ponds, marginals can be planted directly into the soil at the edge of the pond. In liner ponds, marginals are best planted in containers and set into the water so that the soil surface of the container sits up to about 4? below the surface of the water.
There are many, many types of marginal plants. We divide them into two categories: hardy and tropical.
Hardy marginals are those that will overwinter either right in the pond or in a garage or basement. They will grow year after year.
Tropical marginals are those plants that need warmer climates to survive from year to year and cannot be overwintered in your pond. While some varieties may be overwintered indoors, many are treated much like annuals and are simply replaced each spring. While they will only last for the season, tropical marginals are often prized for their spectacular foliage or flowers.
Adding marginal plants to the water garden creates a more natural looking scene and also provides hiding places for fish and frogs.
Floating Aquatic Plants
- act as natural filters
- draw nutrients from the pond
- help to keep your water clear
- help to control algae
- provide a safe haven for your fish
- shade the pond surface, keeping the water cooler
The surface of your pond should be 50-60% covered by mid season. Floating plants and water lilies are the best way to accomplish this. Once you’ve reached this amount of cover, simply maintain your plants by pinching them back as necessary.